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Celebrate!

July 12, 2009

There are times blogging is not about food, travels and the pursuit of all things sweet. It's about the people. How they come to have a special place in your heart no matter how far away they are or how frequent the interactions may be. Yes, I will post plenty of sweet recipes next week but today I want to stop and celebrate.

The picture above is dedicated my dear friend Barbara of Winos and Foodies to celebrate the end of her chemotherapy. I've entitled it "Reach". A couple of years ago, Barbara posted a picture of her dancing shoes on New Year's Eve and these words "Dance like no one is watching" while she was still going through life with cancer, its ups and downs and all that it affects. It inspired me. It moved me. It was "so Barbara". Strong, funny, witty. I shot this one thinking of her dancing shoes. She inspires me to stay strong, focused and to try to reach new heights everyday.

Today a few of us are also reaching out beyond our screens to extend a virtual hug to Barbara and toast her to life, to health and to her family and friends. Yeah baby!

I have had the priviledge to laugh, cry and get hungry with Barbara over the past few years in the emails we shared. Her ability to see things so clearly was painful to me sometimes. Raw. Reality. Fear. Pain. Sadness. Hope. I'd share my miscarriages and she would share her cancer. Not fair, eiher way in their own ways. I had it easy compared to the hell that she was going through. That's Barbara. Grace and generosity. Class and moxie.

Barbar, my friend, cheers to you and your wonderful family! Reach for the moon my dear!

This is so like you! I don't think there can ever be a comparison between two kinds of tragic happenings. Going through miscarriages is as painful as going through treatments (for any condition), each equally difficult and draining in its own way. I admire that you have never let it show and always spread good cheer through your blog - It is no less brave! Bravo - both you and Barbara!

Frinds are the gifts in our lives. They are the sources of hope, strength, and life's lessons especially during our trials and tribulations. You are beautifully generous for sharing something so personal and heartfelt...to good health and friends!

A phrase written in a high school graduation present was, "If we're walking on thin ice we may as well dance!" I went through cancer, was given a 5% chance of living the first year by eight doctors (3 were my uncles and grandfather); that was over 20 years ago. Ten years after, a car hit me and cut off my foot. An old friend who'd suffered a bad miscarriage and I spent some time recuperating. She said she'd rathered lost a foot than the baby. I agreed with her. But I never was allowed even the hope of children, which I didn't say. I'm still on a slippery surface, but even a one-footed woman can twirl. Life is good when it is truly lived - good luck to you and your friend.

It is wonderful that you can celebrate with a friend. I also read things about you that I did not know and that is beautiful that we can in some way connect even though we are miles apart. You are an inspiration to me!!!

Helen how lovely and what a wonderful surprise. Totally unexpected but very much appreciated. I love the photo. Thank you. Yesterday I drank champagne with a good friend who beat cancer 10 years ago. We had a lovely day. Thank you to all the lovely people who have left comments and good wishes.

So sweet and so very poetic. Barbara is lucky to have a friend in you (as am I!). I know you were out of town and busy, which makes it even more special that you immediately agreed to do this. Now we just need to find a way to kidnap Barbara to SF in September!! :) xxoo